Pho, or Vietnamese noodle soup, is one my absolute favorite dishes. It's a fiery, soupy delight consumed not by a spoon but with chopsticks. For lunch today, we ventured back over to our old stomping ground to visit the Pho VN One in Beltsville. Pho VN One, a bourgeois eatery located in the industrial capital of Prince George's County, is not considered the best Pho diner in the area. That accolade often goes to Pho 88, a similarly styled restaurant located just down the road. But I have it on good authority that Pho VN One is the place where the Vietnamese actually go. And for good reason. Often Pho places are actually run by Chinese- but not this one. It's the real deal.
The restaurant itself is located in a strip mall along side a retro computer store and a thrift shop. Not the kind of place you would expect greatness. And the restaurant's ambiance is honestly a bit kitschy with framed espresso cups on the wall and a bright, florescent-lit dining room. Additionally, the place is often full, and the servers mostly speak Spanish (which is fine, of course, but lacks a bit of authenticity...) However, over all, the staff is very friendly and accommodating, especially to families with young children.
The menu is simple. Pho + meat (or vegetarian if you'd like). I ordered it with chicken (Phở gà). Ed ordered Pho Standard #1 ( Phở đặc biệt)- "the works" which includes such delectable treats as tripe and tendons. As for Julian, I must add, he ordered plain rice noodles, of course.
The service is quick. Before you know it, a bowl of steamy rice noodles drowning in murky beef broth arrives at your table waiting to be dressed with an assortment of provided garnishes. My favorites include the Thai basil, lime, and bean sauce. Ed likes to add bean sprouts and green chiles. Finishing the entire bowl, even if you order a small, is a feat in itself, especially for Ed who inevitably adds too much hot sauce. Either way, I promise you will not leave hungry. Although it might be a little out of the way, it is definitely worth the trek. For around $7.00 a bowl (cash only), its a pretty good deal.
Our appetizer, Fresh Spring Rolls filled with rice noodles, lettuce, and shrimp. Served with a delicious peanut sauce.
The garnishes which include Thai basil, lime wedges, green chilies, and bean spouts.
Julian, trying his hand at eating with chopsticks.
Ed's Verdict: It's a cheap eat that will not disappoint. But do not try to order wine, because they don't serve alcohol.
The restaurant itself is located in a strip mall along side a retro computer store and a thrift shop. Not the kind of place you would expect greatness. And the restaurant's ambiance is honestly a bit kitschy with framed espresso cups on the wall and a bright, florescent-lit dining room. Additionally, the place is often full, and the servers mostly speak Spanish (which is fine, of course, but lacks a bit of authenticity...) However, over all, the staff is very friendly and accommodating, especially to families with young children.
The menu is simple. Pho + meat (or vegetarian if you'd like). I ordered it with chicken (Phở gà). Ed ordered Pho Standard #1 ( Phở đặc biệt)- "the works" which includes such delectable treats as tripe and tendons. As for Julian, I must add, he ordered plain rice noodles, of course.
The service is quick. Before you know it, a bowl of steamy rice noodles drowning in murky beef broth arrives at your table waiting to be dressed with an assortment of provided garnishes. My favorites include the Thai basil, lime, and bean sauce. Ed likes to add bean sprouts and green chiles. Finishing the entire bowl, even if you order a small, is a feat in itself, especially for Ed who inevitably adds too much hot sauce. Either way, I promise you will not leave hungry. Although it might be a little out of the way, it is definitely worth the trek. For around $7.00 a bowl (cash only), its a pretty good deal.
Our appetizer, Fresh Spring Rolls filled with rice noodles, lettuce, and shrimp. Served with a delicious peanut sauce.
The garnishes which include Thai basil, lime wedges, green chilies, and bean spouts.
Julian, trying his hand at eating with chopsticks.Ed's Verdict: It's a cheap eat that will not disappoint. But do not try to order wine, because they don't serve alcohol.
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